President Doherty takes overs reins from Walsh

Joe Doherty has received the highest honour in Irish cricket, being elected President of Cricket Ireland at the AGM held in Dundalk.

Strabane-born Doherty has previously held some of the highest offices in North West and Irish cricket, being a former Chairman of both, and has just stepped down as the Chairman of the influential Cricket Committee of Cricket Ireland.

Doherty played all his cricket with his native Strabane, making his senior debut for the club in 1969.

A canny off-spin bowler, he twice took 9 wickets in Intermediate cricket, against Waterside in 1975 and Drummond in 1988. He was also a steady top order batsman, with his highest senior score of 67 coming against Burndennett in 1981.

Following his election, Doherty said: “It’s been a long journey from Courtrai Park in Strabane where I played my first softball cricket under local rules, but I’ve loved every minute and cricket has been very good to me already.

“I’m looking forward to repaying the faith that Strabane, the North West Cricket Union and Cricket Ireland have always placed in me and I want the cricket community to see that there is unlimited opportunity in Irish Cricket for all, irrespective of upbringing or geographical origin.”

Former Cricket Ireland and Northern Cricket Union Chairman Dr Murray Power was named President elect, and will take over the reins from Doherty in 12 months time.

Cricket Ireland Chairman Ross McCollum welcomed the new President saying: “I’d like to wish Joe Doherty the very best for the coming year, and thank Robin Walsh, who was a magnificent ambassador for Irish cricket. Mc Collum also confirmed that North West President Andrew Fleming will replace Doherty as the NW representative.